MPG is different than MPT, older models have a 6 gal. tank and the newer ones only have a 4.13 gal. tank, so if someone with an 01 500ho (6 gal. tank) is getting 75 mpt an someone with an 05 500ho (4.13 gal. tank) is getting only 45 mpt that does not mean the 01 is getting better mpg

 

That's a good point there TC.

 

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Hmmmm. I've had this discussion before. The way it works for me MOST OF THE TIME is that I find I usually ride about the same way, same speeds, varied terrain, same number of stops, same load, similar temperatures, same gas, and most important--same RPM even when in low range. What differs is the AMOUNT OF TIME I ride. From a time standpoint, I use about .4 gallons per hour. This means if I'm out for 4 hours (riding time without lunch break) then I'll use l.6 gallons of gas. Ride 6 hours--use 2.4 gallons.

Now this doesn't work all the time, since some trips are spent idling a lot, or towing someone, or pulling through mud holes. But when I can use this formula, I can get from maybe 20 to 30 mpg on an '04 Sportsman 500 with a high altitude main jet ( a 145). When I had a 152.5, I was using .6 per hour very regularly. This is at an elevation range of 4500' to 9,000'.

Theoretically I could get about 75 mpg if I could cruise at 30 mph uninterrupted. It would be fun to try that some day on some road(s) where you could keep going with few slowdowns.

GJRonK

 

75 mpg... that seems very high????

 

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I said "theoretically". I've never been on a good road that I could do that on for more than about 8 miles.

GJRonK

 

I get about 18-20 miles per gallon in mixed riding. Anything from crawling over rocks at 2 mph or ripping down the smooth roads at 45mph. I have a Sportsman X2 500 EFI.

 

I think he means 75 mpt not mpg.

 

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Toycrazy,

No, I didn't make a mistake. If you read my post carefully, you'll see I have calculated precisely what I meant to say.

My theory (based on riding experience over the last six months) is that one's mileage is determined more by a particular motor's rpm--and specifically CONSISTANT RPM--which on my ATV is mostly between 4,000 and 4,900 whether in high or low range, and due to the variable speed drive belt. The drive belt and clutches actually adjust so my rpm at low road speed is high, while at high speed (say, 40 mph) is relatively low. It's the same way with an automobile, if you think about it. In first gear you drive at up to maybe 2,000 rpm, then shift, then shift, then cruise in fourth gear at 2,000 rpm (even though you are moving at 55 mph). Forget the wind resistance for this comparison since for most ATV speeds it's a minor factor.

Even considering that many trips are uphill and downhill, in an out and back ride, it averages out to being level. The usual main difference on an ordinary ride between one day and another is the time. So if your motor requires x amount of energy (gas) for y amount of heat (engine waste heat) and z amount of power (rpm's, or engine movement per hour of operation), then your formula each day is going to still be x=y+z. So gas is the amount of fuel you put in after your ride (x), and the amount of time determines the amount of work performed (y+z). I'm saying that for me, for my '04 Sportsman 500, I use .4 gallons of gas per hour. And in that hour I may go 10 miles, 15 miles, or 30 miles. I frequently average about 12 miles per hour of riding, and therefore average about 30 mpg.

Technically there are other factors like ambient temperature, road surface resistance, load weight differences, length of rest stops, amount of turning wheel friction, etc., but I'm not trying to make this a science project here. However, I have chosen my words carefully, and back them up only with an explanation of my experience. Each vehicle and rider would probably have a particular average based on vehicle efficiency and rider habits, but, as I'm pointing out, it's a number, or fomula, that would work for many people.

Why don't some of you riders try seeing if ON A NORMAL RIDE you don't average a certain number of gallons per hour of ride (excluding lunch stop time) and report back?

Note: Please don't knock my formula unless you have tried it for yourself.

GJRonK